Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shows his continuous support to the LGBT community. He expressed that a new bill which will protect the rights of transgender in the country will soon be proposed.
Time reported that the legislation will be proposed May 17 to coincide with the celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The prime minister said the bill will contain provisions about gender identity.
LGBT rights
According to CBC, Trudeau also called on Canadians to make an effort to raise awareness about LGBT rights and end the prejudice towards the community. He noted that these people should not be ashamed of who they really are.
"Today is about ensuring that all people - regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity - feel safe and secure, and empowered to freely express themselves," Trudeau said. He, however, mentioned that the government still needs to do a lot to eradicate discrimination, violence and harassment done to people who are true to themselves.
The prime minister said what is needed in the Canadian society is real equality among all. Trudeau said he hoped that the people will continue the legacy of the bold and courageous ones who demanded equality in the country. "And we must work diligently to close the gap between our principles and our reality," he noted.
No more discrimination in the workplace
NBC News explained that if the bill gets passed, gender-related discrimination in the workplace or in securing a job will be prevented. The hate speech laws will also include gender expression and identity.
There have been similar legislations in previous years but they were not all passed. However, when Trudeau was elected as prime minister last year, he made it a point to introduce this kind of legislation for the country.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould was appointed by Trudeau to help with the legislation. She said that the present administration aims to make all Canadians feel safe to be who they choose to be.
